Thame’s London Marathon heroes

AMONG the runners in last Sunday’s London Marathon were several from Thame. Included in those who did Thame proud were three members of Thame Runners, Roy Calcutt, and Sarah Janes and Roger Simmonds who came in on the same time. Their official times were:

Roy Calcott –            time: 04:16:28
Sarah Janes –            time: 05:06:50
Roger Simmonds –  time: 05:06:50

Simon Munday from Thame, was not a seasoned runner but trained specially for this year’s event, determined to raise funds for Kidney Research UK, a charity very close to his heart for family reasons. He ran the London Marathon at a very respectable 04:27:31

A triumphant Simon Munday in the purple tutu he raced in, after the race.

Simon explained on his JustGiving page how Kidney disease has affected his family for several years: “Kidney disease has affected my family since 1987 when my sister, Sally, was diagnosed with Polycystic kidneys. Over time this led to a deterioration of their capability to function resulting in the need for a transplant. In 2007 my mother donated one of her Kidneys and the operation was a success.

“Unfortunately a donated Kidney does not last forever with the average functioning time between 12 and 20 years. Disappointingly, in 2013, my nephew was diagnosed with the same condition though as yet his kidneys are coping.

“We are celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the kidney transplant this year, and running the marathon allows me to help in a small way as we are all aware that there will be more problems ahead.”